(New Haven, CT) – New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. today announced that The Honorable Tracy Lee Dayton on September 16, 2026 sentenced Lewis Santiago, age 28, of New Haven, to 35 years in prison, followed by 10 years of special parole, for his role in the death of Tyrese Blue, Jr., age 26, of New Haven.
On July 20, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty in Superior Court in New Haven to charges of Felony Murder and Criminal Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes §§ 53a-54c and 53a-217, respectively. The defendant's change of plea coincided with what would have been the first day of jury selection for his criminal trial. The underlying incident involved the October 14, 2023 shooting death of the victim during an illegal sale of a firearm.
The case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Adrienne Russo and Deputy Assistant State's Attorney Dean Hanafin, who were assisted by Inspector Michael Mastropetre.
State’s Attorney Doyle would like to extend his condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Blue, many of whom attended the sentencing and delivered victim-impact statements about the loss of their loved one.
State’s Attorney Doyle also would like to express his gratitude for the efforts of lead Detective Gregory Dash of the New Haven Police Department and many of his fellow law enforcement officers who investigated the case.